Test Taking Stategies
1. Get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast.
2. When feeling anxious, take 5 deep breaths every once in a while.
3. Know that guessing doesn't count against you.
4. When answering reading comprehension questions. Read the questions first so you know what you will be asked and can identify the important information as you are reading the passage.
5. Listen and read directions carefully.
6. Multiple-choice: Don't rush. Force yourself to read each possible choice carefully before selecting an answer. Remember, some choices appear correct at first glance but tum out to be wrong when you take a closer look.
7. Complete difficult questions last. On timed tests, you should avoid getting bogged down on difficult items that can cause you to use up all of your time and get stressed. Instead, if you encounter a question that is really difficult, you can skip it or take a guess and place a mark on the question number so that you can return to it after you finish the easy items.
8. Cover up the answers and see if you can answer the question on your own first.
9. Make use of your test booklet, scratch paper, etc. as permitted. If allowed, use the test booklet as a workbook to best answer the question – underline sentences, circle key words, cross out incorrect answers to help you determine the correct one, work out your math, etc. Don't forget to mark your answer on the answer sheet though!
10. Be an active reader. Active reading is necessary when taking standardized tests. Understanding words or concepts, and their relationship to each other, can reveal the answer. With active reading, be on the lookout for any clues or context that leads you to the correct answer. By better understanding what is expected, you will succeed in arriving at the correct answer.
11. Pace yourself. Pacing yourself is extremely important on standardized tests. Standardized tests can be designed to be tight for time so as to access your ability to work under time sensitive conditions. If a question seems too difficult, move on and return as time permits.
12. Use the process of elimination. Many standardized tests have sections made up of multiple choice questions. With the process of elimination you first eliminate answers that you know are incorrect. This will help you determine the correct answer and avoid careless mistakes.
2. When feeling anxious, take 5 deep breaths every once in a while.
3. Know that guessing doesn't count against you.
4. When answering reading comprehension questions. Read the questions first so you know what you will be asked and can identify the important information as you are reading the passage.
5. Listen and read directions carefully.
6. Multiple-choice: Don't rush. Force yourself to read each possible choice carefully before selecting an answer. Remember, some choices appear correct at first glance but tum out to be wrong when you take a closer look.
7. Complete difficult questions last. On timed tests, you should avoid getting bogged down on difficult items that can cause you to use up all of your time and get stressed. Instead, if you encounter a question that is really difficult, you can skip it or take a guess and place a mark on the question number so that you can return to it after you finish the easy items.
8. Cover up the answers and see if you can answer the question on your own first.
9. Make use of your test booklet, scratch paper, etc. as permitted. If allowed, use the test booklet as a workbook to best answer the question – underline sentences, circle key words, cross out incorrect answers to help you determine the correct one, work out your math, etc. Don't forget to mark your answer on the answer sheet though!
10. Be an active reader. Active reading is necessary when taking standardized tests. Understanding words or concepts, and their relationship to each other, can reveal the answer. With active reading, be on the lookout for any clues or context that leads you to the correct answer. By better understanding what is expected, you will succeed in arriving at the correct answer.
11. Pace yourself. Pacing yourself is extremely important on standardized tests. Standardized tests can be designed to be tight for time so as to access your ability to work under time sensitive conditions. If a question seems too difficult, move on and return as time permits.
12. Use the process of elimination. Many standardized tests have sections made up of multiple choice questions. With the process of elimination you first eliminate answers that you know are incorrect. This will help you determine the correct answer and avoid careless mistakes.